As with most people here, wet test. Never met the Artic guy in Montana, but I met the Hot Spring owner there, Mr. Kelly King. He's a stand up gentleman as well. People seem always split with circ pumps. I normally like to let people know that I am a soaker, primarily. I love the darn circ pumps because I like to use the jets for 5-10 minutes, and soak for another 30. That being said, the circ pump is 100% quiet and allows water to go through the heater to maintain temp. If that describes you, then you'll like it. If you are jets 100% of the time, then you might not care as much.